"Best Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025"

Following the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus' *Persona* series has firmly established itself as an iconic JRPG franchise. *Persona 5*, in particular, has achieved such iconic status that fans, often referred to as gamer-tourists, are drawn to Shibuya station in Tokyo to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has been remodeled since the game's setting, fans can still find the right angle for that perfect photo.

Despite its current popularity, the success of the *Persona* series developed gradually over time. Originally a spin-off of Atlus' *Shin Megami Tensei* franchise, the first *Persona* game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the numbering might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not counting various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. It's important to note that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not considered part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring the rich 30-year history of the JRPG franchise is highly rewarding, though some games are more accessible than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play each of the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared, you might need to dust off your old PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw subsequent releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's narrative revolves around heroes who gain their personas through fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there's no version available on modern hardware. To play this game, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, fans can hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version was made available on the PSP for North American and European audiences, with a version also available on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no way to play *Innocent Sin* on modern consoles at the moment. The game follows a group of high school students in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors have the power to alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. Set a few months after the events of its predecessor, it continues the story of the "Joker Curse" but through the eyes of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. It was later remade for the PSP in 2011 and made available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. However, it's not available on modern hardware. There's hope, though, as Atlus might be considering a combined remake of *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the moment when the series stepped out from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for the PlayStation 2, it follows a group of teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the mysterious "Dark Hour." An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, which includes an additional epilogue, was released the following year for the PS3.

The game has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version, was initially released for the PSP and later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023, and many consider *Portable* to be the best iteration of *Persona 3*. The latest remake, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, catering to fans of *Persona 5 Royal*. Physical versions are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game takes the form of a classic murder mystery, with a group of teens using their personas to solve a series of murders. *Persona 4* has garnered immense love from fans.

An enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and is now available on nearly every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

While *Persona 4* turned heads, *Persona 5* catapulted the series into mainstream gaming culture. Initially released for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, the enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, was released a few years later. Notably, *Persona 5 Royal* hit North America in March 2020, offering a glimpse of Tokyo just as the world was entering lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and moves to Tokyo to start anew. He soon becomes involved in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this game's narrative.

*Persona 5 Royal* is now available on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital copies are available through various online stores.